Liberal statement on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

August 9, 2015

TORONTO – Liberal candidate Carolyn Bennett today issued the following statement on the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:

“On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we are reminded that Canada’s foundation is rooted in a nation-to-nation relationship between the Crown and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. We also recognize that there is an urgent need to take meaningful action to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and to renew the relationship based on cooperation, respect for rights and Treaties, our international obligations, and a commitment to end the status quo.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada, I reaffirm our commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We must work in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples to close the unacceptable gaps in social and economic outcomes that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, and create fairness and equality of opportunity for all.”